Why I’m Already Setting Alarms for the END. x Salomon XT-6 “20th Anniversary” Drop

You know that feeling when you hear about a sneaker collab so perfect that you immediately start calculating how many months of lunch money you’ll need to save? That’s exactly what happened to me last week when news broke about the upcoming END. x Salomon XT-6 “20th Anniversary” release planned for March 2025.

I’ll admit it – I literally spilled my morning coffee when I first saw the mock-ups. Not my finest moment, especially since I was wearing a white tee (rookie mistake). But can you blame me? This collaboration looks absolutely incredible.

A Match Made in Sneaker Heaven

For those who haven’t been following along, END. Clothing is hitting a major milestone – their 20th anniversary! And what better way to celebrate than by partnering with Salomon, a brand that’s somehow managed to conquer both treacherous mountain trails and fashion week sidewalks.

I still remember my first pair of Salomons. I bought them for a hiking trip in 2018, never imagining they’d eventually become my go-to shoes for grocery runs and coffee meetups. That’s the magic of Salomon – particularly the XT-6 model. It’s technical enough for serious outdoor use but stylish enough that strangers stop me at Target to ask what I’m wearing.

This new “20th Anniversary” edition takes everything great about the XT-6 and dials it up to eleven. The dark grey mesh upper creates this perfect canvas for the flashy metallic silver overlays. But it’s those emerald green accents that really make my heart skip a beat – they’re vibrant without being overwhelming, like the perfect amount of hot sauce on your breakfast burrito.

Why This Collab Matters

I’ve watched END. grow from a small boutique into a global powerhouse over the years. Their ability to bridge the gap between hardcore sneakerheads and casual fashion folks is something special. This isn’t their first rodeo with Salomon either – their 2023 collaboration sold out faster than concert tickets for a surprise Taylor Swift show.

What makes this partnership so interesting is how it represents the evolution of performance footwear. Ten years ago, wearing trail runners to anything other than, well, trail running, would’ve earned you some serious side-eye. Now? They’re practically a streetwear staple.

Last weekend, I counted seven different pairs of Salomons while waiting in line for coffee in downtown Portland. That’s more than I saw Nikes, which would’ve been unthinkable even five years ago. The world has changed, and our footwear preferences have changed with it.

The Technical Stuff (Without the Boring Parts)

Let’s talk about what makes the XT-6 special, because it’s not just about looks. These shoes have Salomon’s Contagrip outsoles, which provide ridiculous grip on practically any surface. I’ve worn mine through rainstorms, across marble lobby floors, and even on a surprise hike when my buddy took a “shortcut” that wasn’t actually a shortcut.

The cushioning system – what Salomon calls “Agile Chassis” – gives you support without making you feel disconnected from the ground. It’s like the perfect mattress – supportive but not too soft.

And don’t get me started on the Quicklace system. It’s one of those things that seems gimmicky until you try it, then you wonder how you ever tied shoelaces like a caveman before.

The Waiting Game

Now comes the hard part – waiting until March 2025. That’s right, we’ve got almost a full year of anticipation ahead of us. I’ve already started a savings fund specifically for these (which my partner finds hilarious but has graciously accepted as one of my many quirks).

While we wait, END. will likely be rolling out other anniversary collaborations. They’ve hinted at a year-long celebration with various partners, which means my wallet is already giving me the side-eye.

If you’re planning to grab a pair when they drop, I’d recommend following both END. and Salomon on social media and signing up for their newsletters. These will almost certainly sell out within minutes of release, and nothing’s worse than missing out because you forgot what day it was (trust me, I’ve been there).

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, what makes this collaboration special isn’t just the aesthetics or the technical specs – it’s what it represents. It’s the perfect marriage of performance and style, mountain trails and city streets, function and fashion.

So mark your calendars for March 2025. I’ll be the guy frantically refreshing the END. website with one hand while crossing all my fingers on the other. Some might call it excessive enthusiasm. I call it being prepared.

Anyone else already excited for this release? Drop a comment below about which upcoming collaborations you’re looking forward to. And if anyone has tips for increasing my chances of snagging these beauties, I’m all ears!